Welcome to ❧Defining Ways❧  Annie Sinclair.

Q: Have you previously encountered more than one ghost, or earthbound spirit, in your life?

A: Before my dead classmates, Shelayne Goodnight and Johnny Lange, materialized in front of my eyes and scared the spit out of me, I had never encountered a ghost. I think that’s because prior to them sneaking up on me, no dead person had ever deemed me their ticket out of purgatory.

When you read “Love, Lies, and Azure Eyes” you will see why the ghosts of my former school chums tasked me with digging up the truth behind their deaths. Once I did, they were finally able to sever the ties binding them to earth and move into the light.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Life isn’t fair,” but after my stint as a reluctant “ghost whisperer,” I can tell you death isn’t fair either. I’m proud I could help Shelayne and Johnny cross over, but I sure hope they closed the door behind them. Securely. I do not want them — or any other troubled spirits — to pop in on me like that ever again!

Q: Your hometown Logan Point, Indiana, is described as small, so how many people live there?

A: That’s a good question, and I’m glad you asked. At the start of “Love, Lies, and Azure Eyes,” Logan Point’s population was 5,106. But by the Epilogue, that number had changed to 5,107. Isn’t that nice? Logan Point is growing!

Q: Do people live and work in Logan Point or do people commute?

A: Fifty years ago, very few Logan Point residents had to commute to metropolitan areas for work. Prior to that, the town enjoyed a robust manufacturing base and a vibrant Main Street. But after the advent of super highways and big-box stores, Logan Point’s self-sufficiency all but vanished, breadwinners were forced to earn their paychecks elsewhere, and Logan Point became a bedroom community. These days, however, Logan Point’s welcoming, small-town ambiance is attracting newcomers, who are moving in, while natives like me are coming home. Thanks to our combined resources, Logan Point is reinventing itself as a desirable destination, and my hometown is booming again.

Q: Did you travel to the past to reach a future, or did the past beckon you to return?

A: That’s another excellent question. Prior to my last trip home, I would only return to Logan Point if I absolutely had to. I felt like I’d outgrown my sleepy, little hometown the day I left for college. I never missed it. But then, something changed when two things brought me home: 1. A major writing assignment that I hoped would revive my dying career; and 2. A cryptic message from Dad — “I need you home so I can discuss some bidness with you.” … Less than two weeks later, the writing assignment led me to Mr. Right, and my dad’s “bidness” led to our long-overdue reconciliation. So it was the past that brought me home, and the promise of the future is keeping me there.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: A girl has to watch her weight, you know. So I stay away from my most favorite dish in the whole world — white cake with buttercream icing. With sprinkles. OMG! Just typing those words has made my mouth water, my heart race, and my stomach growl. Ummm … excuse me while I run out to White’s Market and Bakery. Be back in 20 minutes. I’ll bring you one, too.

Q: Do you miss the West Coast, or could the Midwest charm you back into residing there?

A: Indeed, the Midwest is charming, but it wasn’t what brought me back. I will always miss the West Coast, but Logan Point is where my heart is.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: Yes … I want you and your readers to know that I’m enormously grateful for this opportunity to tell you a bit about how I helped the ghost of Johnny Lange prove he wasn’t the one who killed our classmate, Shelayne Goodnight, 25 years before; and how he turned the tables and taught me to trust again and open my heart to love. THANK YOU!

Janis Thornton Contact Info:

Website:  http://www.janis-thornton.com

Blog:  http://www.janis-thornton.com/blog

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/janisthorntonauthor

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Janis-Thornton/e/B00E5UTSFY/

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6482161.Janis_Thornton